Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet move around at their own pace without needing to let him in or out. They also can help to prevent your cat from toileting inside the house.
It is easier to install an animal flap on a upvc panel than one made of glass however, you'll require some knowledge and correct tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Fitting Cat Flap In upvc cat flap door panels Door Panel; Agriexpert.Kz, a cat flap installer flap in the door can be a challenge but if you choose the right type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be a problem. We will be showing how to trace the shape, using the jigsaw to slice the area in the door and then finish off the job by fixing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from rain and wind which can cause damage.
The first thing to do is measure the width of your pet to get a precise measurement of what size of cat flap you will need. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to let your pet enter and leave the house without needing to open and close the door every time, but also small enough to keep the pet from straying too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements you can determine the area on the door where the template should be placed, typically this is done using an X, however some kits include an illustration that outlines the location to drill, if yours does, then you can stick it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has a sill or moulding along the bottom edge of it ensure you have clearance from these as this will keep your cat safe and stop them from gaining access to your home.
Use a set square to make sure you are cutting correctly and to ensure the hole is a good rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you are able to begin removing the remaining door material. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you are cutting the material correctly and that the cut is a rectangle. When you are satisfied with the result, you are able to remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great way to allow your pet to go out and in without having to worry about them coming in with guests or leaving unwanted gifts in the home. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature in your home steady. However, putting the cat flap to your door might seem like an intimidating task for those who have never done it before, which is why many people to call a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to complete the task yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions carefully.
Although this is much easier to do with a timber door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors, but you should be careful to avoid damaging the doors, as this can cause damage to your warranty. First, you must take measurements of the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel, this should be easy. However in the case of composite or another type of door, you may have to be more cautious.
Next, you will need to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the distance from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach, and you will need to find a spot in the door where this measurement will fall within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you know this, you will need to mark out the area using a pencil and a spirit level so that you can be certain that the hole you create will fit your cat.
After you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will need to use an jigsaw. It is crucial to take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean instead of uneven and rough, since it could cause damage to your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when working with the jigsaw as dust from the saw could be harmful to your health. After you've cut the hole, you will require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap can be easily fitted into place.
Make a hole
Installing a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. If you're not experienced in DIY, it is best to employ an expert to do the work for you. A faulty job can not only be unsightly, but also pose a security threat. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air out when the cat is inside.
The first thing you have to do is mark out the position of the hole in the door with an eraser and an ax level. This will ensure that it is correctly located and is in a straight line with the other parts of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper on hand to smooth any rough edges.
Once the line has been traced, you must cut the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear the appropriate safety gear for working with an electric tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can buy a cordless jigsaw which is more quiet and easy to use.
It is best to only remove the material needed to create the flap. It is important to leave some extra material for the wall thickness of the flap. However, removing too much can cause problems or even damage the door frame.
A upvc door may contain a metal frame or a panel inside which could block the microchip cat flap if this is the case, you will need to cut an oversize hole so that the metal doesn't come into contact with the the cat flap, if this is done, it is crucial to fill in the gap and render it watertight.
If you're installing a cat flap into a upvc door or double glazed windows with a metal frame then you'll need to speak to a specialist who can supply you with a new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap already drilled inside. This will be cheaper than trying to fit a cat flap in an existing pane of glass that wasn't designed specifically for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to come and go whenever they like and allow them to be comfortable at home whenever they want to. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be hard to install a cat flap. This is especially true if you do not own an glass panel that is cut. If you're willing to buy and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to add a cat flap to these doors. It's not as easy as cutting a hole through the door though and there are some things you'll need first to ensure it's secure.
A composite door panel usually has an extremely thin plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene core that is insulating. It is essential to be careful when cutting the material. This type of door usually includes a template which you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in the door.
Once you've determined the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to fit the cat flap itself. You can buy and fit a wide variety of different models including basic push-button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that allow access only to your pet. No matter which type of cat flaps you choose, it's vital that your cat can utilize the flap window with cat flap ease without getting stuck outside in bad weather.
A circular fitting is better than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes can make the glass more susceptible to cracking when drilling is applied to it. It's also a much safer choice to use since you're not putting yourself at risk by drilling into toughened glass that might break and injure your pet or your family. This is particularly crucial if you have elderly or children in your home that could be injured by glass shards.